MLB News

Paxton's lone mistake spoils sharp start in loss

Lefty strikes out nine, gives up three-run homer in 7th

By
David GottliebMLB.com

SEATTLE -- For the second game in a row, the Mariners' bats were not able to support a starter.

Seattle got its only run of the game on a Jean Segura homer in the fifth inning. The blast evened the score at one apiece, but would not be enough to back James Paxton in a 5-1 loss on Saturday afternoon against the Rockies at Safeco Field.

SEATTLE -- For the second game in a row, the Mariners' bats were not able to support a starter.

Seattle got its only run of the game on a Jean Segura homer in the fifth inning. The blast evened the score at one apiece, but would not be enough to back James Paxton in a 5-1 loss on Saturday afternoon against the Rockies at Safeco Field.

Paxton held the Rockies to one run and struck out eight through his first six innings -- including getting out of a no-out, bases-loaded jam with consecutive strikeouts of Charlie Blackmon and Nolan Arenado in the third -- adding after the game that he felt good and had good stuff.

The Mariners' lineup has not been at full strength due to a string of recent injuries.

Mitch Haniger returned to the lineup on Saturday after missing two games with a bruised right knee. The right fielder reached base in all four of his plate appearances Saturday on two singles and two walks, though manager Scott Servais said after the game that Haniger was still not running at 100 percent.

Everyday second baseman Dee Gordon was held to pinch-hitting duties after tweaking his hip on a play at the plate Friday night, and starting catcher Mike Zunino has been sidelined since landing on the DL on Thursday with a bruised left ankle. Their replacements -- Andrew Romine and David Freitas -- went a combined 0-for-6 with two strikeouts.

"We're a little banged up right now," Servais said. "It happens. It's part of what you go through in a long season like this."

SOUND SMARTSegura was thrust into the leadoff spot Saturday due to Gordon's absence. Segura, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI and run scored, is batting .455 (25-for-55) with a .618 slugging percentage when penciled in at top of the order this year.

After Saturday's two-hit performance, Segura now has an American League-leading 37 multi-hit games in 2018 and is tied with Nick Markakis for the Major League lead.

UP NEXTThe Mariners will send Wade LeBlanc to the mound in Sunday's 1:10 p.m. PT game to close out their nine-game homestand. Last time out, LeBlanc held the Angels to one run over seven innings, improving his record to 4-0 and bringing his ERA down to 3.19. He'll face Rockies righty Antonio Senzatela (3-1, 4.44 ERA), who tossed seven scoreless innings against the Giants at Coors Field on Tuesday.